Vendor Profile: LaFete

Considering that I now live in the South, it's time to highlight some local party-pals.  I had the pleasure of getting to know Abany Tschupp of BROWN LINEN COMPANY a while back- Abany will be back soon (she is planning her own wedding right now!).

I would like to introduce you to Ms. Katie Dunn, founder of LaFete.  LaFete is an all-inclusive, event production, design, and bridal consulting team.  Katie and her team are based out of North Carolina, but travel all over the region to work with their clients.  I had the pleasure of meeting Katie in Atlanta through a mutual friend, and was very impressed with her excitement and passion for the work she does.

As always, I can't just post once about a vendor and call it a day.  I'll be writing a series about LaFete and the services they provide which fit nicely into the following categories:



Creative Consultation
On-Site Coordination
Event Production 

What I like most about Katie's positioning is her flexibility.  You can use LaFete's services as much or as little as you like. Mix n' Match!  It's your day and as Katie says (and CharlotteLucey agrees)...  "Save the drama for your grand entrance"!

Stay tuned.  LaFete will be featured for the next few weeks on Thursdays.  Cheers!

Photo Source:  Carolyn Scott Photography

Food Trucks!

Every Wednesday around 7/730 PM, you can find me on N. Highland Avenue sampling some of Atlanta's finest cuisine.  Food Truck Wednesdays.  8-10 food trucks deposit themselves in an open lot where you will find local foodies with their dogs, blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers (BYOB is permitted).

I look forward to this night of the week every week.  It's fun, social, and the food is fantastic and so affordable.  I can buy 5 items and pay less than $20.  Completely satisfied and full after each visit, I'm hoping food truck night lasts well into the Fall- that photo was taken 2 weeks ago on-site. 

PERSONAL FAVORITE:  YUMBII Food Truck
MUST TRY:  Pulled Pork Taco and Sesame Fries


I keep seeing and hearing more about people straying from traditional wedding favors and moving towards things their guests can consume.  Whether it be a late-night hamburger, slider pack, or warm cookies and milk, there's just something about food at the end of the night (especially after alcohol has been consumed).  So why not try and combine two fantastic things?

Some food for thought (pun intended)... You're having the time of your life dancing, singing, partying, and being with your friends at a wedding.  The party ends and as you leave the venue, BAM!  A food truck is waiting right there for you and all of the other guests.  Paid for by your hosts, all you're required to do is point, order, and consume a complimentary and fantastic post-wedding snack menu.


I've never seen this done, but think it would make for a fantastic send-off.  After working off your meal on the dance floor, why not have a flavorful and memorable departure? If I see or hear about someone trying this, I might just have to give myself a little pat on shoulder.

Worth the Wait- Missoni

 Yes, it really did take me 13 days to put this together and I make no apologies for doing so.  Missoni flooded Target and crashed its site.  It also paved the way for a slew of inspiration filled with a colorful appetite and stylish palette. Yay Monday!

Photo Sources: Vera Wang Spring/Summer '08 plum satin gown, Minted "Sea Scape" wedding invitation in sunset, Hotel Missoni- Kuwait , Preston Bailey flowers and tablescape, Missoni drawing for Kate Middelton's wedding gown , Amy Atlas desserts

Missoni Missoni Missoni

I hope everyone at least took a peak online to check out the Missoni for Target line that premiered today.  Target has had plenty of guest designers who collaborate with them as the leading retailer that is the most cost-effective and wallet-friendly, but this was special.  It's like Christmas came early this year!

That's not the point.  The point is that I got my little hands on several items that are Missoni.  It's not Target doing Missoni.  It's Missoni for Target. It's Missoni. And $45.00 for a pair of pumps, shut your mouth- a regular label Missoni scarf costs $175-200.  I'll take the Missoni for Target. Yes please!

PERSONAL FAVORITE:  CAPPUCCINO CUP AND SAUCER SET
* Please note that this link directs you to the look-book for the full Missoni for Target line (since the site has crashed). 

But out of the small basket of goodies I brought back to my apartment, my absolute favorite has to be the set of 5 cappuccino cups with matching saucers and mini spoons.

I'm a big fan of mixing and matching as most of you know.  It's probably my biggest "I love" for this item.  Each cup has it's companion saucer which I'm sure look perfectly nice together. But why would you do that?  Mix 'em up!  I promise you, the combinations are random and may not make any sense, but fit together perfectly.

Don't think for a moment that this hasn't caused some serious thought for the next post.  Stay tuned.

More Than I Do

Labor Day weekend was filled with driving, assembling, and settling.  I, and CharlotteLucey, are not headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia!  I can't tell you how happy I am to be posting again.  Before I get started I have to share my appreciation for 2 things:  1)  The drive from DC to Atlanta.  It's long. 2) Power drills.  How people assemble (not build) IKEA furniture without one is beyond me.

Green is on the agenda today.  Not with envy, but with transition.  Again inspired by the change from summer to fall, Green is a color that when paired with neutrals creates a very warm atmosphere, while remaining fresh.  Fall favorite? Absolutely.

PERSONAL FAVORITE:  Bella Figura:  A Vintage Chic New Zealand Celebration

Pair this with Band of Horses "No One's Gonna Love You" (which just happened to play on Pandora while I began creating this).  I think they pair up quite nicely. Enjoy and happy Monday!

Photo Sources: WeddingTips green tablsescape, Bella Figura Fields wedding invitation, Bella Figura A Vintage Chic New Zealand Celebration, Bella Figura A Vintage Glam NYC Wedding, Anthropologie Atelier Chesterfield in yellow, LaLune Events wooded wedding. 

See You After Labor Day!

CharlotteLucey will be posting on a regular basis after the Labor Day weekend!  I'm excited to announce that CharlotteLucey will now be headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia!  I'm really looking forward to meeting new prospective clients and being introduced to a completely new audience. 

Enjoy the rest of your summer and have a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend!

Cheers!

Frankly My Dear...

For such a complicated woman, her story is quite simple...Rich fabrics and deep colors cascade all around her.  Scarlet, the very essence of her name, is the color of choice. She's unapologetic, yet completely romantic.

Photo Sources:  The New Yorker "Remembering Gone With The Wind", Priscilla of Boston Style 1610 Bridemaids Dress, BHLDN Glass Glitter in pink, Preston Bailey Elevated Wedding Reception Centerpieces, Kenneth Pool "Royalty" Wedding Gown, Bella Figura Magnolia invitation, BHLDN Pom Pom Shoe Clips in melon, Preston Bailey Before and After Slide 14

Boards Are Here!

I've added a new page to the blog!  BOARDS.   These are probably my favorite things to post on the blog.  CharlotteLucey is nearing 100 posts and scrolling through titles is not always fun.  Click on the BOARDS page located on the header of the blog to view all.  My goal is to begin posting a new board 1-2x per week.

All photo sources are located in the content of the blog that the board was created for. Just click on the title above the photo to be taken to the blog page to read content and to view sources!

Cheers!

Let it Fall!

The first conversation I overheard this morning was between my cube neighbors at work.  Both have been to numerous weddings this summer which will continue into the fall. I couldn’t help but hear one ask the other, “What do I wear to a fall wedding?!” 

Changing of seasons when summer temperatures still linger can be tricky.  If you attend a wedding right after Labor Day, but it’s still 85 degrees outside, can you still wear bright colors and a short frock?  Below are a few FAQs, and hopefully, helpful hints!

Can I wear bright colors after Labor Day?
Yes. Bright colors are acceptable year round.  Bright colors or jewel tones can be worn in the winter, but look best when pairsed with black tights or stockings.  NOTE:  No one wears nude pantyhose, please don’t. Even in winter. Sh. Stop.

What dress length is acceptable for fall?
If you are not wearing stockings or tights, a fall dress should hit right below, at, or above the knee (less than an inch or 2 either way). 

What if I wear black tights?
A short dress with black tights is fine. However, if it’s not cold enough to cover your legs, leave them out. You don’t want to jump the weather wagon too soon.

Is a strapless dress still appropriate?
Leave the strapless behind for fall if you plan on wearing a short or bright colored dress.  They can appear more summer-like.  However, darker colors and a longer length make strapless dresses appropriate.  Pair with a mini sweater or pashmina (thank you JCrew).

What about black?!
When is a little black dress ever bad?  There's a reason why the LBD has been coveted as a wardrobe must-have.  I have to give a shout out to my friend Adrienne for her impeccable taste at a wedding we attended earlier this summer.  Adrienne wore a DVF black wrap dress that was perfection. She paired her LBD with a pair of nude, patent leather pumps, clutch, and neutral jewelry.  It was the ideal wedding guest outfit.

PERSONAL FAVORITE:  Diane Von Furstenberg, Piperlime, JCrew

When does floor length become acceptable?
Floor length is always acceptable, but it depends on the “attire” for the affair. If the invitation says anything less than formal or black-tie, leave the lengthy duds at home.

TIPS & TRICKS:
Consider wearing a dress with ¾ length sleeves.  I love this idea for fall because it counter-balances a shorter skirt. For my sisters rehearsal dinner I wanted a colorful, shorter dress, that was still autumnal. Guess which one is me!

What are the best colors for fall?
Wine/Burgundy, Neutrals, Black, NAVY!  Navy can be worn year round and doesn’t discriminate- EVERYONE looks good in Navy.

Email any questions to charlottelucey.info@gmail.com Have a great fall season everyone! 

Photo Sources: DVF Genevieve Wrap Dress, JCrew Ashley Dress

Mirror Mirror On The Wall...

Not the case for this Bride-to-Be. UCLA student and Ph.D candidate, Kjerstin Gruys (Photo Source: Courtesy of Kjerstin Gruys/YouBeauty.com) has vowed not to look in the mirror for 12 months- six of which will lead up to her wedding.  Her blog “Mirror Mirror Off the Wall” details her quest to not look at herself in a vain manner. 

To take it a step further, the 12 months that Kjerstin won’t be looking at her reflection goes through her wedding date of October 2011.  The project doesn't end until March 2012. I can’t help but wonder, why go past your wedding date and not right up to it? 

I would at least hope that may be, just maybe, she will allow herself to look in the mirror on the day or her wedding.  I’d bend the rules for that- any bride should.  But it's not my project and an interesting one at that.  At least she's given herself an escape clause in Rule #8.  Thank goodness!

Would you be able to not look in the mirror for 12 months- even on your wedding day? 

Kudos to this bride. This is not something I would be able to do for the simplest of reasons:  When it rains my hair frizzes and there’s no way I’d walk out of my door without making sure the beast was tame- woof.  Check out her rules below and take a peek at her blog!

THE RULES

1. The project started on March 26th, 2011 and will end on March 25th, 2012.  (FYI - I'm getting married October 1st, 2011!)
2. I allowed myself a 1-month transitional period.  This is when I figured out how to navigate/avoid mirrors in my daily life, and how to apply make-up, style my hair, put in contacts, etc. without using a mirror.
3. Reflective surfaces do "count".  Window shopping has become very tricky... :(
4. Of course I use my rear- and side-view mirrors when driving.  I just can't use them to check myself out!
5. I'm allowing myself to look at my shadow.
6. When using Skype or other video-chat programs, I disable features that allow me to see my own image.
7. My readers voted on Day 36, and I'm NOT allowed to view photographs of myself throughout the year ... with the exception of my wedding photos.  ***NOTE - I'm not actually sure whether I'll look at my wedding photos, but it's nice to have the option!
8. Any/all of these rules become null if this project makes me go insane. 

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE

The Oscar Peterson Trio Play

There is nothing new to say about Oscar Peterson.

What follows is self-indulgent, sincere, modestly idolatrous, and somewhat febrile.  It is meaningful only to those who share my belief that Peterson is one of the most incredibly talented pianists jazz has nurtured... 

This is not my work.  I took the above from the back cover of the original The Oscar Peterson Trio Plays vinyl (year unknown). Today is Saturday, usually not a blogging day (especially in the final month of the summer), but here I am 2 weeks away from my move and organizing and packing seem to be taking over my life- in a good way...

It’s 6:57 PM and I couldn't be happier spending my evening with The Oscar Peterson Trio, a glass of Sycamore Lane cab, (which by the way was only $6.99), and a great view.  I almost discarded the wine.  Not because it wasn’t good, it’s actually really good, but I somehow managed to dispose of the cork with 3/4 of the bottle left.  Sure if it had been a clean garbage bag with nothing else in it I might have considered reaching in and saving it.   But seeing as how I had just made myself a new york strip with caramelized onions and a red wine reduction with shallots and garlic (inspired by watching Julie & Julia mid-afternoon), I wasn’t about to plug my wine with a beef-infused cork. 

What shall I do (speaking in a Julia Child tone)???   And then I remembered what my little french friend at Cork and Fork advised me.  Cork and Fork is a wonderful wine boutique in Bethesda.  This woman knows everything about wine. If you are lost about what you like, or what wine you should serve with your boeuf bourguignon, she’ll know what you need.  I manage to go in every few weeks to try a new Cabernet Sauvignon.  So far I’ve only ventured to Spain and California for my cabs.  Perhaps someday I’ll travel 1.5 feet over to France or Italy, but right now I’m content. 

The last time I was in her shoppe we began a conversation about how to let the wine breathe and how to preserve it- out of the bottle.  She explained to me that any time you open a bottle not to just pour the vin in a glass and gulp it.  “Let eet breathe” she would say.  “Opiiiin it and let it suit on ze counter”.  Most of the time it’s just me enjoying my purchases and I typically am not one to finish a bottle in one sitting by myself. 

Ok Renee so what’s the point?  Well perfect timing as my Grandpa Cappy's favorite song is playing as we speak.  “Satin Doll” by The Oscar Peterson Trio.  I strongly suggest any jazz enthusiast or music enthusiast listen to it.  It’s upbeat and to the point. So here we go.

I threw my cork out.  What to do with the wine?  Well Madame Vin told me that you can place wine in an air tight glass jar, a Mason jar, and it will keep your wine fresh for up to 10 days.  I’m currently trying this experiment.  Indeed I have a small case of Mason jars that I took from my grandmas house- it sits on the top shelf of my pantry.  Typically you know when wine goes bad due to the pungent vinegar odor that strikes your nostrils.  We’ll see if this works.  My gut is telling me yes.

In the meantime, I bid you a good evening and pleasant rest of your weekend. Until Monday.
Hi grandpa <3

Heidi Klum & Mindy Weiss

I love when AOL has video posts about party planning and coordinating weddings!  Celebrity event planner, Mindy Weiss provides her expert tips and tricks for those hiring event planners (and I love this next part) for brides who are NOT hiring event planners.  It's really nice to see reputable coordinators say "yes it can be done without one of us!"

Here are her tips and video below, enjoy!

1. Choose your location. The details and decorations depend on where your event is taking place.
2. Look online for great deals on paper, and feel free to add colorful layers with a double stick tape gun to make the invitations more exciting. Try Lehr & Black for celeb-worthy custom invitations or Tiny Prints for affordable invitations with pre-designed templates.
3. Send a Save the Date, or send invitations at least eight weeks ahead of time so guests can make travel arrangements.
4. For table settings, use what the venue offers to save on rental costs, but perhaps rent a special charger, table overlay, or chair backs. Mindy suggests Classic Party Rentals, a national company for table and dishware rentals, and Resource One for linens and chair backs.
5. You can use lighting gels or even cellophane or colored tissue paper to wrap around clear glasses for a bight touch.
6. Personalize the event by giving every guest a place card and seating assignment.
7. Flowers can be easily stuck into oasis, which you can buy at the flower market. Color blocking makes arranging flowers simpler and can be done the night before to save time the day of the event.

Crate & Barrel- What I Like

I love Crate&Barrel. I don’t just mean that I kinda like the store and enjoy a quick browse.   I mean I LOVE the store. My friend Elise and I enjoy our trips where time is of no importance.  We’re kind of like Lucy and Ethel.  You’ve never seen two people get so excited, confused, mesmerized or weirded out by things (or people) in your life.  The routine is always the same.  We go to Starbucks first, head for the C&B opening in the wall and then decide if we want to begin our journey to the left or right ( right towards rugs, left towards the world of kitchen stuff).  I digress.

Another reason why I love Crate&Barrel so much is the service they provide through their wedding experts.  Crate&Barrel hosts a variety of events for engaged couples and offers services to assist in making the process easssssy. A great feature C&B has on their website is “What I like”. 

PERSONAL FAVORITE:  What I Like- Caitin Falls

Caitlin offers her top 10 list of things that are good for a registry, along with a little perspective..  Kudos to Caitlin for actually telling a soon-to-be married couples:

“Don't fool yourself into thinking you'll drastically change your lifestyle after getting hitched. In other words, if you've never been one to whip up homemade muffins in the morning, it's probably not going to happen once you're married.”

Make smart choices when you register.  If you’re not going to use something, don’t register for it and clutter your home. Registering isn’t just about things you need or things you want.  It’s a combination of the two. Enjoy the gift giving for a year- when else does this happen?! 

More on registering to come!

Gratzi Gucci (For the Men)

Gucci Spring/Summer 2012 collection.  Jump to 6:15 to view their formal-wear.  I'm swooning. Happy Friday everyone and have a great weekend!

 

Gucci Menswear Spring Summer 2012 Full Fashion Show from Devon Nicholas on Vimeo.

Voila

...today's presentation. 

Dark undertones contrast with the paleness of the models skin and white fur on the pups. The pop of cognac from what I presume to be an old car is the warm accent needed for this bold tale.  Set in Paris at an old chateau, hosted by a dignitary that no one knows "personally".  Swarovski chandeliers hang from trees and swing from beams.  Wispy hair barely moves in the late nights breeze.  The clock strikes midnight... let the fun begin.

Souces:  Teen Vogue Louis Vuitton advertisement, BHLDN: Sparkler Comb, Bella Figura: Gatsby&Calligraphy Wedding, Vera Wang: Fall 2011 Look 8, BHLDN: Glitter Numbers, Midnight in Paris: screen shot, JCREW:  Ludlow tuxedo pant

Hopped on the "Tweet-Wagon"!

CharlotteLucey can now be found on Twitter! CharlotteLucey was taken, but the letter "B" wasn't (for blog). Check out the fresh, very fresh, CharlotteLucey Twitter account by clicking the link below.

PERSONAL FAVORITE: CHARLOTTELUCEY TWITTER

Please follow and tell your friends- fun news!  You can also find all of our social media site links on the "Contact" page.

S'More Please!

It’s not quite here yet, but fall is just around the corner. It’s the way the sun looks now at 4 PM on a Sunday afternoon,  a hint of brisk air here, a pop of plum cashmere there.  Summer is coming to a close shortly.   This inspiration comes from a year round treat that somehow I find perfectly marries the end of summer with the beginning of fall. S’mores!

Recently I've heard more about brides opting out of having just a wedding cake as dessert.  Rather, guests may choose and create the dessert of their choice.  What better way (and fun) way to do this than with a s'more bar.  Relevtively easy to produce, this modern watering hole filled with rich chocolate, buttery graham crackers, and ooey gooey marshmellow is sure to be a hit!  Who doesn't have fun putting together a s'more?

More than a s'more you say?  Chocolate and vanilla ice cream  topped with this warm delight will be a perfect partner. Favors?  Covered.  Whether you're a DIY bride or someone who likes to order items- a small bag filled with the s'moresentials is a great favor.  Don't forget that attaching a tag with your guests name and table number can also serve as your place cards.

Enjoy!

Sources:  Bella Figura Soleil, Melissa Sweet Tilda Gown, Elizabeth Anne Deisgns Tent, S'mores Bar, The Knot Mason Jars, Sweet & Saucy Shop Cake, S'mores Photo Gabriel Ryan Photography

Post 75

What is everyone planning for the weekend? The first official week of August has come and gone- summer is slowly creeping away.   With 100+ heat indexes and sneak peeks of new clothes, guess who’s ready for fall?  Last week was full of shenanigans:  My company’s summer outing and a same-day trip to the beach which covered the weekend. I’ll be happy to sit in this weekend and brainstorm for next week.

What have I learned this week? A few things:

1. If I really dig a new song I’ll listen to it non-stop at work, like I am right now.  Get it Daddy by Sleeper Agent (video below).
2. There’s a new thing called Google+ which has been described as a social media site on steroids… don’t know how I feel about that.
3. Navy and mustard is my new favorite color combination for fall.
4. Motivation is hard because the individual is solely responsible for it.  When some doors close, there’s always a window.
5. The Jersey Shore will inevitably replace The Real World.
6. There is a proper way to spell “shenanigans” that my spell check alerted me of.
7. Risk is worth the reward- there is always one.
8. I’m no longer afraid of the “Self Improvement” section of book stores via THIS BLOG
9. It’s OK to give yourself a pat on the back at the end of the week.  It feels really good!

Have a great weekend everyone!

They're Here!

You know how they say a picture is worth a thousand words? I have more than a thousand to say about the new collection of gowns from BHLDN.   If you haven’t done so already by checking out the CharlotteLucey Facebook page, please click on:

PERSONAL FAVORITE:  New Gowns at BHLDN

This enchanting video previews this magnificent collection.  Immediately I’m taken to a garden in the English Countryside and can’t help but wonder if the first bride magically appeared from Wonderland with a compass laying in her palm or if we’re at a Gatsby inspired affair.  The airiness of flowing fabrics marries perfectly with the melodic tune of a simple piano. Without even capturing a full view of the dress, romantic details begin to emerge with flowers, lace, embroidery and an effortless ability to make me stop dead cold at work and watch.

Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the logistics of a wedding, but please remember the romanticism. Skip ahead to 1:03 to view a strapless gown being worn to perfection with a parasol and birdcage headpiece. It all ends with the departure of fat white balloons drifting away with the music. I think I’m in bridal video heaven. 

BHLDN- where did you come from? You are ridiculous in the most perfect way.  Hats off to you.

Deal of the Day- 35% Off!

Wedding Paper Divas is offering 35% off of ALL address labels and gift tags- score!  If you're in planning mode this is a great opportunity to take advantage of this deal, especially with all of the "thank you's" you'll be writing in the upcoming months.

Even if you're not getting married, this is a great deal if you want personalized address labels for yourself? I'm a sucker-punch for stationary items... labels, business cards, note pads, etc.

Guest favor tags? Yes please!  Whether you're using them for pre-wedding events or at the actual wedding, this is another great way to tie your theme or introduce your color scheme to your guests.  It gives them a hint and small preview of what your wedding may include.

Personal Favorite:  Wedding Paper Divas Deal of the Day

1. Personalize your Shop Address Labels and gift tags.
2. Add item(s) to your cart.
3. Use code DOD0803 at checkout.

Don't wait too long- this deal ends tomorrow Friday, August 5, 2011!